Got Ash?

Creative and Practical Uses for Ash from Your Woodburning Stove

I love my woodburning stove and they are

Cooled Ashes

a cozy and efficient way to heat your home, but they also leave you with a byproduct: ash. While it might seem like waste, wood ash has a surprising range of uses around the home and garden! Whether you’re looking for ways to reduce waste or maximize your homestead resources, here are some smart ways to repurpose ash from your woodburning stove.

1. Dust Bath for Chickens

If you keep chickens, you know how much they love a good dust bath to keep themselves clean and pest-free. Wood ash can be a fantastic addition to their dust bath mixture. Its fine texture and natural properties help control mites and other pests while leaving your chickens feeling refreshed.

How to Use: Mix ash with sand and soil and place it in a shallow container or a designated area in your chicken run(I use a kiddy pool). Make sure the ash is completely cool and free of harmful chemicals or debris, like nails or treated wood remnants.

2. Natural Ice Melt

In the colder months, ash can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical ice melt. It contains potassium salts, which can help lower the freezing point of water and provide traction on slippery surfaces.

How to Use: Sprinkle ash sparingly on icy walkways, driveways, or steps. Keep in mind that it can leave a grayish residue, so don't use is on your new concrete lol

3. Soil Conditioner for Your Garden

Wood ash is rich in potassium and calcium carbonate, making it a great soil amendment for certain plants. It can help raise the pH of acidic soil and add valuable nutrients.

How to Use:

• For Acidic Soils: Sprinkle ash lightly over garden beds and mix it into the soil. Avoid using it near acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons, or azaleas.

• As Compost Additive: Add a layer of ash to your compost bin to balance acidity and improve nutrient content.

  
  

4. Cleaner

Wood ash’s mild abrasiveness makes it a natural cleaning tool for removing stubborn stains or grease.

How to Use:

• Glass Cleaner: Mix a small amount of ash with water to form a paste and use it to scrub the glass doors of your woodburning stove.

• Metal Polisher: Use the same paste to polish tarnished silver or brass items. Rinse thoroughly and buff to shine.

  
  

5. Odor Neutralizer

Ash can help absorb unwanted odors, much like baking soda.

How to Use: Place a small bowl of ash in areas where odors linger, like garbage bins or musty basements. Replace it regularly for best results.

6. Repellent for Garden Pests

Wood ash can deter pests like slugs, snails, and ants, making it a natural solution for protecting your plants.

How to Use: Sprinkle a thin line of ash around the perimeter of your garden beds. Be cautious not to overuse it, as excessive ash can alter soil pH.

7. Firestarter

When mixed with a small amount of water, wood ash can be used to create lye, which in turn can be used to make soap or as a firestarter.

Common Tips for Handling Wood Ash

• Store Safely: Always ensure ash is completely cool before handling or storing. Use a metal container with a lid to prevent accidental fires.

• Use Moderately: While ash is versatile, too much can harm plants, soil, or surrounding areas. A little goes a long way.

• Avoid Treated Wood Ash: Never use ash from treated, painted, or stained wood, as it may contain harmful chemicals.

  
  

From the garden to the chicken coop, wood ash has a variety of uses that go beyond the stove. By reusing this natural byproduct, you can save money, reduce waste, and make the most of what nature provides. So, the next time you clean out your woodburning stove, think twice before discarding that pile of ash—it might just be the solution you’re looking for!